Value of Penance

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation [full, complete, accurately appropriate payment] for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

“This is why penance is unnecessary.  To insist on any form of penance is to undermine the sufficiency of the work of Christ.  I cannot contribute to the penalty paid for my sin, neither do I need to, for payment has been made in FULL.  Therefore on the basis of God’s justice I can be forgiven.”*

We can be deceived by the chief of liars that somehow God has missed one of our sins.  You know, one of those little ones we keep hidden from everyone.  We might begin to worry as we meet other Christians who seem different.  After all, comparison was involved in the first sin!  So we begin to fear that we’re not completely forgiven – not good enough yet.  We know God said He would forgive us in I John 1:9, but did He really mean all? 

So we search for the sin/sins.  We start changing our behaviour (more praying, more time at Bible study, more giving to the church) thinking we MUST do something.  But it is a lie, for all that had to be paid HAS been paid...we must rest in that and trust that God keeps His Word.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”  I John 4:9-10, 18 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS:  ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  I need more of you to send updates please!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action! 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Kent’s mother has unbelievably (!) come through the surgery and is smiling.  The cancer has spread but she is better for now.  Kent is very thankful for your prayers and asked me to express his thanks to you!  Paul NS is in hospital again.  Adrian’s pain meds are still not working well.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  God has found a wonderful place for Adrian to live and even though his health is not good, at least now he will be able to sleep and rest when needed – he’s moving this weekend!  Blacky has found a work-study program in his country and is very thankful!  Randy, who we’ve been praying for a long time, has found God’s blessings overflowing him with a new role!  That a project is developing now for me again.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Tim, my little brother, feeling stronger but needs financial help, especially with no health insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension.   For Michael C, with his own health concerns & for his wife, Diane, as his mother is fading away with Alzheimer’s and ill health.  David still needs prayer for his health, but is doing better.  For Adrian, who is recovering from a serious illness and needs a peaceful place to live as he recovers.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. 

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (a stroke survivor who is unable to be left alone for long.  This limits Audley’s ability to travel for work).  Tim B with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- headaches and attitude toward her mom. 

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ )  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary, Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Deborah and her son Michael, recovering from the loss of her mother to cancer and her father to suicide.  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother and he needs to focus on securing a new job.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  For Reg and his ministry, that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways. 

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who is becoming involved with a cult that is filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows.  For David K, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Isaias (health, strength and family safety as he continues his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there.  For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.

NOTE:  (I will be sending a separate email asking your opinion about publishing on Kindle soon.  It would be very helpful to hear from you in response, please.))
 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price